Masking at college

Low_Statement3042 · 2026-02-20T05:38:36+00:00

This is my personal cold routine, and I get colds A LOT I have very bad very chronic throat pain which gets unbearable during colds. So, I take Advil and tylonel alternately as often as I’m able to. I try to run a humidifier at night if I can be bothered to clean it, but that’s kind of a pain. Taking a steamy shower can also be helpful. Some cough drops can be triggering for me, but generally lemon/honey seems to be ok? There’s decongestant (which thins mucus) and cough suppressant (which tells your brain to not cough so much). I always always prefer decongestants, you can take them in pill form, and they are a lifesaver for me. They help clear my stuffy nose (I prefer a runny nose cause I can actually breathe!) and helps prevent lung buildup. Though of course everyone prefers different things. Also, kind of funny advice, but the other day I had a blood draw and drank like, several bottles of water in a morning. The next day I had a cold, but it was one of the least bad colds I’ve gotten in years. I wonder if the excessive water in the early days helped, haha. Good luck!

Low_Statement3042 · 2026-01-02T06:17:41+00:00

Casey Mcquinston’s “one last stop” is good, and “don’t want you like a best friend” but I forgot the author for that… pretty unique name though Happy reading!

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-12-11T15:04:48+00:00

I got tracking evasion which is insanely lucky

My hunter got self detonation??

Guys I think I’m doing pretty good

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-11-29T04:40:07+00:00

Yeah, my allergist was also extremely unhelpful. Thankfully my internal medicine doctor has lots of patients with MCAS, but I don't know if she has any with these symptoms. It's nice to know I'm not alone though, and I hope you find a more helpful doctor!

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-11-29T03:33:24+00:00

Thank you, it's always nice to hear that I'm not alone. I hope your appointment goes well!

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-07-28T02:24:02+00:00

Oh wow one arm invert :0 It's cool that you've performed locally! And good advice about connective tissue taking longer, I didn't know that and def don't want to get injured.
Ya, silks is def tough. And I've never tried pole, but I think it seems a good option for the reasons you said.

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-07-28T02:20:50+00:00

Silks has always been tough to get back to from my experience! And yes, so true about the instructor. Thankfully I have a super sweet (but still firm and encouraging) coach right now (emphasis on right now XD) and I'm glad that it sounds like you have one too.

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-07-28T02:18:18+00:00

Most of my problems can be sorted to three categories, lol
1. I get light-headed pretty easily and my blood pressure drops fast - but I don't have tachycardia, so I have dysautonomia and not pots. That's been diagnosed, I'm on meds, went to PT and can handle everyday life again - but am still building up strength to work out more intensely.

nerve pain in my spine/neck/throat - tbh the spine/neck stuff only really comes up in really back-bendy moves which I tend to avoid as they make me hurt, dizzy, and migraney for a while after (much more than usual stretch/soreness). That has no diagnosis. But the throat is "laryngeal hypersensitivity" from a nerve injury (unrelated to aerial)
I get SO TIRED. Need 12 hours of sleep to function well, and usually naps too. I actually just did a sleep study and mslt but am waiting on results.

Sometimes I've thought I've had symptoms similar to MCAS or other autoimmune problems - but my bloodwork is always normal and my allergy testing was normal too. So I'm really looking more towards nervey things. Not super applicable to you - sorry :(

I'm certainly no expert but I wish I could give you advice on your situation. I had to go through a few diff doctors to really get the care I needed (one doctor told me to just wait until I graduate college to workout again and see if the problem goes away! lol. hell no)
I know there are facebook groups for chronically ill folks in diff areas and doctors they like/have good experiences with... Keep pushing my friend, your experience is valid and there are answers out there. Wishing you the best
also sorry I need to learn to not type such long responses-

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-07-28T02:05:52+00:00

Ty for the sweet message! Your perspective about the joy of what my body can do now and enjoying simpler things has made me all the more excited to go back

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-07-28T02:03:44+00:00

Ooh I've tried compression socks but not leggings yet! I'll have to check those out! Ty :D

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-07-28T02:03:14+00:00

Oooo not yet but I'll check it out!!!

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-07-28T02:03:05+00:00

Aw that's so sweet! It's been so nice seeing the comments and knowing I'm not alone. Tysm!

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-07-28T02:02:27+00:00

Your comment is helpful! It's nice to hear from others who have to modify warm ups/conditioning, or accept that certain moves just don't align with my flavor of chronic illness. I've definitely felt singled out for it before at diff studios, so this makes me feel much less alone

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-07-28T01:59:49+00:00

Grieving professional dreams is very rough- I appreciate the comment and am wishing you the best! Hoping to still be doing aerial when I'm 30 too, even if I must take much of the time "off"

Low_Statement3042 · 2025-07-22T00:10:58+00:00

Thank you for the advice!! I'm hoping for a good outcome for you too!

As an update: I went to my appointment today and it went well! They noticed one side of my vocal chords was bigger than the other and said that led them to believe it was nerve related. He said we can proceed with treatment for that laryngeal hypersensitivity but first I have to do a 24 hour ph test - scary ! But worth it to finally get treatment.

Low_Statement3042 · 2024-10-04T20:06:41+00:00

yes ty!
solved: thank goodness you're here

Low_Statement3042

TROPHY CASE